Indices close on a negative note

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Melstacorp and DFCC Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.2 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Piramal Glass. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Softlogic Holdings and LVL Energy Fund. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover. (due to John Keells Holdings) The postsubdivision JKH started trading today and closed at Rs 21.20.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.75%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 0.50 (0.22%) to close at Rs 227.50. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 1.25 (1.07%) to close at Rs 115.50.

Hayleys Fabric and Singer Sri Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (0.59%) to close at Rs 51.10. The share price of Singer Sri Lanka appreciated by Rs 1.10 (5.70%) to close at Rs 20.40.